Sunday

“And do not be conformed to this world,

but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,

that you may prove what is that good

and acceptable

and perfect will of God.”

~Rom. 12:2~

Week of Prayer for North American Missions and the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering®

March 1-8, 2009

National Goal: $65 million

Theme: Live with Urgency: Sowing Together for Harvest

Scripture: John 4:35-37

Week of Prayer Missionaries:

  • Gary and Sue Smith, Church Planting Missionaries, Canada

  • Al and Noemi Fernandez, Church Planting Missionaries, Florida

  • Daniel and Kim Goombi, Reservation Ministry Directors, Kansas

  • Brenda Crim, Collegiate Evangelism Missionary, Alaska

  • Song and Fanny Kim, Church Planting Missionaries, California

  • Lamar and Dolly Duke, Associational Missionary, Pennsylvania

  • Paul and Elizabeth Biswas, Church Planting Pastor/Mission Service Corps, Massachusetts

  • Willie and Ozzie Jacobs, National Missionary, Tennessee

2009 Week of Prayer Missionaries

Day 1

Gary and Sue Smith
Canadian National Baptist Convention
100 Convention Way
Cochrane, Alberta, Canada T4C 2G2
churchstarting@yahoo.ca

Gary is a national church planting missionary for the Canadian National Baptist Convention.

Gary Smith: fighting vast ‘lostness’ in vast eastern Canada

By Mickey Noah

WINNIPEG, Manitoba – Gary Smith and his 11-year-old son, Caleb, tooled down the Trans-Canada Highway in their rented Toyota on a winter’s day. They were in the middle of a 12-hour, 600-mile road trip from Quebec to Prince Edward Island when reality hit the 41-year-old missionary and he suddenly started to cry.

“What’s going on, Daddy?” asked an alarmed Caleb, the oldest of Gary and Sue Smith’s four children. “What’s happening?”

Through his tears, Smith asked his son, “Caleb, do you realize that in all of these towns, cities and villages we’re passing by, there are no Christian churches to tell the people about the Gospel? There are no Sunday school classes for kids. There’s nothing like you’ve known all your life.”

As he looks back now, Smith thinks that’s when Caleb finally got it – realizing why his daddy was gone from home so much. “He and I stopped and prayed together for those towns, cities and villages,” recalls Smith, “and it was a precious time for just the two of us.”

It’s a fact, Smith said, that some 1,000 communities in Quebec – spread across hundreds of – have no evangelical church at all, not one.

The Smiths are national missionaries for the North American Mission Board and the Canadian National Baptist Convention, responsible for planting churches all across Canada. They are two of the some 5,500 missionaries in the United States, Canada and their territories supported by the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering® for North American Missions, and are among the NAMB missionaries featured as part of the annual Week of Prayer, March 1-8, 2009. This year’s theme is “Live with Urgency: Sowing Together for Harvest.” The 2009 Annie Armstrong Easter Offering’s goal is $65 million, 100 percent of which benefits missionaries like the Smiths.

Smith, a native Kansan, realizes he’s not in Kansas anymore when it comes to the difficult challenge of planting new churches and sharing the Gospel amidst a vastly “lost” Canada.

“In eastern Canada, there’s a spiritual void,” he says. “If you’re under 40 years old and in Quebec, you don’t probably know who Jesus Christ is. I’ve had some people literally tell me, ‘Oh, that’s a curse word.’ That’s all they know about Jesus. And this is where we are trying to evangelize, witness and plant churches.

“It can be a hard place but it gives us an incredible opportunity,” said Smith. “Can you imagine the sweetness of sharing Christ with someone who is hearing for the very first time? They have no concept of Jesus. They’re a blank slate.”

Smith says only eight percent of all Canadians are connected to an evangelical church, compared to 28 percent in the United States.

“Montreal has nearly five million people. Almost all of them are lost. Only half of one percent are evangelical Christians. We’ve been here eight years now but only scratched the surface.”

As an example of the fading spiritual condition in Montreal – Quebec’s largest city – 95 percent of Montreal citizens attended a Catholic church weekly in 1955. Today, it’s only five percent. The Catholic Church has not only lost most of its spiritual ground in Montreal, it’s almost been kicked out of the culture, according to Smith.

But the same holds true for Protestant churches in other Canadian provinces such as New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Smith said despite local church planting by Southern Baptists – many of the churches in these provinces have either died out or been turned into art museums.

Smith says sharing the Gospel in Canada often calls for new, unique and creative tactics in lieu of traditional “hard-sell” methods. In a country where so many know of Jesus Christ only as a “curse word,” tangibly reflecting the love and compassion of Christ proves more successful.

“On an airplane recently, I met a young French woman who was a social worker in Trois Rivierre, Quebec, one of the most unreached cities per capita in all of North America,” he said. “Not only was she a social worker, she had a caseload of 50 unwed pregnant teenagers, average age 13.

“I asked her if she had ever heard of Jesus Christ and she gave the typical reply. ‘Yes, Jesus is a curse word.’ I told her, ‘No, He’s much more than that . . . He loves moms and babies.’”

Smith got her e-mail address and phone number and weeks later, told the young social worker’s story at a Baptist missions conference in Florida.

“The folks in Florida got so fired up that five weeks later, I had these huge boxes delivered to my doorstep in Montreal. We opened them up and it was incredible – baby snowsuits, diapers, wipes, things for the moms, etc.”

When Smith drove to Trois Rivierre to personally deliver the baby items to the social worker, she and her colleagues told him, “it’s so incredible what you’ve provided.”

“And I told them, ‘No, Jesus Christ provided these things for you today. This is who He is.’ That was these Canadian social workers’ introduction to the Gospel,” Smith said, adding that reflecting Jesus’ compassion in any lost place can make the mission field there much softer to plow and harvest.

Smith’s church planting role for NAMB and the Canadian National Baptist Convention is much bigger than himself – to the extent that he partners with fellow missionary Jeff Christopherson in Toronto, and oversees volunteer church planting “advocates” stationed in other Canadian provinces.

“Toronto is the most culturally diverse city on the planet,” according to Christopherson. “In 2001, over 50 percent of the Toronto population was born outside Canada. By 2016, there will be more than 1 million Mandarin-speaking Chinese from mainland China living in the Greater Toronto area. But 95 percent of them will be unchurched.

“People don’t realize it, but there are more Italians in Toronto than any place else in the world outside of Italy. You go to Brampton, a city of 400,000, and there are 90,000 Sikhs there. There are 50,000 Bengalis in Toronto.”

Christopherson said Toronto is also Canada’s headquarters for the country’s major corporations, media outlets, the Canada Stock Exchange and the major banks – making the city a combined New York City and Los Angeles. As such, Toronto impacts the rest of Canada.

“Gary and I work well together,” said Christopherson. “He’s an incredible guy – one of the most catalytic people I’ve ever met.”

Although Smith – who recently shifted his home base from Montreal to Winnipeg, Manitoba – is primarily responsible for Eastern Canada, including Montreal, and Christopherson oversees Toronto, the two men say there are no turf battles.

“We see ourselves working together, and there is no ‘this is my city’ or ‘this is your city,’” says Smith. “We don’t care whose name is on what – we want to see these two strategic cities reached for Christ.

“In Toronto, we need to see an explosion,” he said. “Jeff is right now following up on nearly 50 potential new church planters. We don’t have enough people, resources, or staff. It seems impossible to reach Toronto. But like the Old Testament says, ‘I’ll make a way where there seems to be no way.’”

Another Canadian church planter, Jarret Hamilton, who pastors Affinity Church in a Toronto suburb, Oshawa, and also sings Smith’s praises.

“Gary is, first and foremost, an enormous encourager and supporter,” Hamilton said. “Like everything we do, he’s the first one to celebrate and the first one to offer encouragement. Gary also has a tremendous amount of wisdom and knowledge that he passes on. But one thing I appreciate is that Gary doesn’t force it on you. He waits for you to ask for it and then gives you insight and encouragement.”

And what does the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering do for church planters in Canada?

“I’m thinking of a guy in New Brunswick,” said Smith. “It’s a dynamic church plant, supported by the Annie offering. They’ve led over 200 people to Christ in this one church plant. And that’s because of the Annie offering that supports that church plant.

“I believe a church planting movement can arise out of Canada that would turn the tide for North America.”

Prayer Concerns: Pray for Gary’s effectiveness as he sows together with others to start churches. Pray for God to open doors among the different people groups who need an evangelical witness and church. Pray for a great awakening to spread across Canada through Gary’s ministry.




KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
“EVERYBODY ENDS UP somewhere in life…
A few people end up somewhere on purpose.”1
The quote reminds me of the words of Paul to the saints at Philippi: “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). Paul had a mark toward which he was running. Of course, that mark was heaven.

What about you? Are you pressing toward the mark, or just pressing? (Wade Webster)

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14).
1/ Andy Stanley, Visioneering, p. 8

Have a wonderful Lord’s Day!
Anna Lee

Saturday (Posted Early)

“The Lord has heard my supplication;

the Lord will receive my prayer.”

~Psalm 6:9~


Mrs. Ruby Dillon’s procedure went well this morning. She will have results in about two weeks.


Nathaniel Russell’s surgery went well this morning. Pray for him as he heals.


Don Denton
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2009 02:37 PM, CST

WEll just a few more things we are asking prayer for. Remember the dishwasher that leaked and then a fire from the dishwasher. The company replaced the dishwasher and they agreed to replace our kitchen floor.

The contractor came out this morning to take up our floor to find “black mold”. As they continued to take up the floor they discovered that the new dishwasher was installed incorrectly and there is still a leak. He discovered a puddle of water in front of the dishwasher and under the dishwasher the floor is very soft. So all of our subflooring is coming up now.

We now are without a kitchen until next week and we are going to stay in a motel tonight and tomorrow night as the fumes are not good for Don or Josh for that matter. Don has been wearing a mask since this morning to help.

Ugh! But the good thing from all of this is that our floor will be mold free once they are done.

Pray for us again as we transition to a motel for the next couple of days. Pray that Don does not catch anything from this.

Ugh! that is all I can say. And thank you God that we have a honest contractor.

Diane

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2009 05:35 PM, CST

Soooooooo…….for those of you who may be wondering…..the mold is not a culprit with Don’s disease……because I was wondering and I called Don’s infectious disease doctor. He said no it is not.

I just needed to know for myself. And this just happens to be another thing with bad timing. And yet, I am so thankful that this is not about an illness.

We have been through much worse than this. Much, much worse and this is nothing compared to what we have been through. So, I did not mean to complain allot about this. In the big picture Don is getting better and that is all that matters.

So, thank you for bearing with me on this.

Bless you our family and friends.

Diane



Lenor Buitrago Restrepo Alvarez
(July 16, 1930 – February 27, 2009)

Lenor Buitrago Restrepo Alvarez

Died at 12:38 a.m. on Friday, February 27, 2009 at Baton Rouge General Medical Center on Bluebonnet in Baton Rouge. Age 78 years. She was born July 16, 1930 in Palmira, Columbia and came to the United States in 1988. She lived in Baton Rouge and became a U.S. citizen in 1995. Visitation at Montpelier Baptist Church, Montpelier, from 2 p.m. until Religious Services at 4:00 p.m. Saturday. Services conducted by Rev. Rusty Durand. Interment Montpelier Cemetery, Montpelier. She is survived by her 8 children, Fabio Gabanzo and his wife, Rasalba, Nelly Escobar and her husband, Fabian, Leyda Ticora and her husband, Julio Cesar, Francia Gomez and her husband, Ferney, Esperanza Hoosier and her husband, Pat, Diego Alvarez and his wife, Nubia, Libia Jones Suarez and her husband, Yezid, and Juan Carlos Alvarez and his wife, Stella; 26 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren and 2 to be expecting; twin sister, Elvira Restrepo; brother, Julio Buitrago. She was preceded in death by her husband, Antonio Rafael Alvarez; sister, Amparo Restrepo; brother, Octavio Restrepo; parents, Benjamin Restrepo and Carmen Buitrago Restrepo.



Annie Lou Allen Rolufs
(November 5, 1918 – February 26, 2009)

Died at 5:05PM on Thursday, February 26, 2009 at River Parishes Hospital in LaPlace, LA. She was a native of St. Helena Parish, LA and a resident of LaPlace, LA. Age 90 years. Graveside services will be held at 10:00AM Saturday at Day’s Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. Services conducted by Rev. Larry Robertson. Survived by daughter, Pamela Rolufs, numerous beloved nieces and nephews, Preceded in death by husband, Otto D. Rolufs, parents, Inman and Lina Allen, 2 brothers, 2 sisters. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements.



BEING PREPARED

Earthquakes can strike without warning, and being prepared for such a disaster can mean the difference between life and death. Here are some tips someone has offered to help you and your loved ones make it through a quake:

~ Those living in areas not prone to earthquakes can respond quickly to the plight of disaster victims in quake zones by complacently smirking and saying, “I told you so.”

~ To minimize loss and damage in a quake, try not to own things.

~ Practice your burrowing-out-from-under-40-

tons-of-rubble skills ahead of time.

~ Look out your window often. If you see a large, zig-zag-shaped crevasse moving rapidly from the horizon toward your home, step either to the right or the left.

~ For those who fear earthquakes, it may comfort you to know that a majority of the damage during the 1906 San Francisco earthquake did not come from the tremors themselves. Instead, it was from the raging, out-of-control fires that consumed most of the city.

~ A doorway is the safest place to be during a quake. Eat, sleep, and work in doorways.

~ Be sure to mail your house-insurance payments a full five business days before a major earthquake strikes.

~ If you are caught in a major earthquake in Southern California and are part of the entertainment industry, take a moment or two to reflect on how grossly you’ve wasted your life.

As several of the suggestions above point out (with tongue firmly in cheek!), the problem with an earthquake is its unpredictability.
A few months ago, Hurricane Ike devastated the Galveston area, but there was at least warning for several days that danger was coming. With an earthquake, there is none — it simply strikes!

Jesus described his second coming as an event like that. He used terminology like “a thief in the night” to describe the unexpectedness of the moment. His purpose in using that image was not to suggest that he is coming to steal something. Rather, he is coming at a time when we least expect it. And the only way to be ready for that moment (just as with an earthquake) is to stay prepared all the time.

“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The skies will disappear with a loud noise. Everything in them will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be burned up. In that way everything will be destroyed. So what kind of people should you be?
You should live holy lives and serve God, as you wait for and look forward to the coming of the day of God.” (I Peter 3:10-12a, NCV).

My prayer is that you will be prepared so that you, too, can truly “look forward” to that day (whenever it may be!).

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Have a great day preparing for the Lord’s Day.
Anna Lee

Friday

“The Lord has heard my supplication;

the Lord will receive my prayer.”

~Psalm 6:9~


Nataniel Russell

Please be in prayer for our oldest son, Nathaniel as he has his wisdom teeth out Friday at 9am. I will be going with him so Kelly does not have to lose a day of work. Pray the surgery goes well and Nathaniel will not have any problems during the surgery and as he recovers.

I will send out an update on him when I send out the March prayer letter for Team Bucharest.

Thank you for praying for Nathaniel. I reminded him last night (we attended the Ash Wednesday service at his church) that I do not have the gift of nursing so pray I will do well in taking care of him until Kelly gets home in the afternoon.

Seara buna! Have a good evening!

Melinda

You may remember the youngest Russell son, Kyle, had very serious problems following surgery in Eastern Europe last year. Pray they do not have a repeat with Nathaniel in Texas.

Carl Wayne Stevens

Carl Wayne has had another setback. Keep him and his family in your prayers.

Ruby Dillon

Pray for “Miss” Ruby as she has a procedure this morning in McComb. Pray for those responsible for her care today. Pray for the family as they wait.


KOMpray

Kids on Mission Pray

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
“LISTENING IS THE other half of talking…”1
Most of us are pretty good at the first half of talking, but not so good at the second half. We are proficient at talking, but deficient at listening. As you recall, this was especially true of Job’s friends. When they heard of the evil that was come upon their friend Job, they made an appointment together “to come to mourn with him and to comfort him” (Job 2:11). It seems that their intentions were good. They wanted to comfort him. However, they proved to be “miserable comforters” (Job 16:2). In large part, they were “miserable comforters” because they failed to listen to their friend. They were so busy telling him what a great sinner he was that they failed to hear his declarations of innocence.
Let’s make sure that we do better than they did. (Wade Webster)
1 John Hagee, Life’s Challenges, Your Opportunities
“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19).

I pray you will be a good listener today.
Anna Lee

Thursday

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow….” ~Philippians 2:10~


Red Envelope Day

http://www.redenvelopeday.com/

Join others in sending an empty envelope to the president on March 31.

On the back write “This envelope represents one child who died because of an abortion. It is empty because the life that was taken is now unable to be a part of our world.”

President Obama

1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20500



International World Changers Stories

http://www.iwcstories.com/



Baptist Press

February 25, 2009

WASHINGTON–Clinton, in China visit, neglected human rights, critics charge. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29953

WASHINGTON–Supreme Court gives win to Ten Commandments monument supporters. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29954

WASHINGTON–Obama tells Congress nation ‘will recover.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29955

GEORGIA–Facebook gives Annie Armstrong new ‘friends.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29956

GEORGIA–Johnny Hunt addresses 12,000 men. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29957

NORTH CAROLINA–Graham organization to trim staff by 10%. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29958

TENNESSEE–FIRST-PERSON (Dwayne Hastings): Concerned about nominee’s porn ties. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29959

TEXAS–FIRST-PERSON (Bob Stith): A question I often ponder. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29960


BE CAREFUL WHO YOU IMITATE

The following story is reported to be true:

A new missionary recruit went to Venezuela for the first time. He was struggling with the language and didn’t understand a whole lot of what was going on. Intending to visit one of the local churches, he got lost, but eventually got back on track and found the place. Having arrived late, the church was already packed. The only pew with a seat open was the one on the front row.

So as not to make a fool of himself, this recruit decided to pick someone out of the crowd to imitate. He chose to follow the man sitting next to him on the front pew. As they sang, the missionary tried to follow along. When the man stood up to pray, the missionary recruit stood up too. When the man sat down, he sat down. When the man took the cup and bread for the Lord’s Supper, he took the cup and bread. During the preaching, the recruit didn’t understand a thing. He just sat there and tried to look like that man in the front pew.

Then he perceived that the preacher was giving announcements. People clapped, so he looked to see if the man was clapping. He was, and so the recruit clapped too. Then the preacher said some words that he didn’t understand and he saw the man next to him stand up. So he stood up, too. Suddenly a hush fell over the entire congregation. A few people gasped. He looked around and saw that nobody else was standing, so he sat down.

After the service ended, the preacher stood at the door shaking the hands of those who were leaving. When the missionary recruit stretched out his hand to greet the preacher, the preacher said, in English: “I take it you don’t speak Spanish.”

The missionary recruit replied: “No I don’t. Is it that obvious?”

“Well yes,” said the preacher, “I announced that the Acosta family had a newborn baby boy and would the proud father please stand up.”

There is nothing wrong with imitating godly men and women, but we need to be careful who we imitate, and to what extent. Even the apostle Paul was careful to limit those who sought to follow him:

“Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” (1 Cor. 11:1)

Follow the example of those you know who are living godly lives, but be sure to keep one eye on Christ as the ultimate standard. Otherwise, you may find yourself standing when you ought to be sitting!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina


Enjoy the beautiful day the Lord has provided today.

Anna Lee

Wednesday Addition

Holly K. gave me permission to post this. When you finish reading, I hope you will feel led to pray for Holly and others serving around the world in similar positions.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Still waters?

Life in a dry, desert area can be interesting. You suddenly realize the importance of water. Right now, as I sit here typing this, I have no water. I turn on my faucet and nothing comes out. I sit here thinking, “Today was really hot and I’m pretty smelly … how am I going to get un-smelly?!” Then I think of my favorite Psalm – one that everyone should know: Psalm 23.

“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.”

After being away from “green pastures” and “quiet waters” for two months, I really have a new appreciation for them. One day, in Dakar, we were at the Marine House to watch the movie “Fireproof.” (They set it up like a movie theater! I got to eat a hot dog and Kit Kat bar!) Well, they had grass there! GRASS!! I took off my flip-flops and walked barefoot in the grass. It was AMAZING!!

Life is like that. Sometimes we have been out in the desert for too long. We need to take off our shoes and run barefoot in the cool, green grass. We need to stick our feet in the refreshing, clear water. Living in the actual desert, I have to remind myself not to be in the “desert” for too long. I have to let God lead me into those “green pastures” and “quiet waters.” I cannot rely on my own strength out here. I have to rely on HIM!!! Otherwise, little things like no water or the electricity going off every day will really start to get to me. I have to look at the glass as 1/2 full, not 1/2 empty. I praise God for the lady who lived in my house before who filled up about ten 10 liter jugs full of tap water for times when the water is out. I praise God that the electricity only stays off for about an hour at a time, sometimes 30 minutes. I praise God for technology that allows me to video-call my parents and “attend” my grandmother’s 74th birthday party. I praise God for a cat who kills my bugs at night so they don’t crawl on me!

In all, I have had a good dose of culture being here. I had a guy from telephone company wander into my house unannounced (scared me to death!). I’ve eaten from a common bowl (I did get a spoon though). I’ve met many people and look forward to building relationships with them. I’m continuing my Wolof learning and making lots of people laugh in the process. God is good though. I am very blessed and know that God will continue to bless me.

Wednesday

“My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord;

in the morning I will direct it to You,

and I will look up.”

~Psalm 5:3~

Pray for the Perry family as they have services for Aubrey Perry in Alabama today.


Pray for other families that have recently lost loved ones.


Pray for the lost all around us, often members of our families.

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. A cross-cultural father working with South Asians shared this story: “A few days ago, our almost 8-year-old son was sitting on the bed beside me. He currently has an avid interest in wild animals, and he and his younger brother often pretend they are on some wild safari adventure, encountering various types of wildlife, or maybe they are even the wildlife themselves. So thinking along those lines, I ventured the question that I hadn’t asked in a long time. ‘What do you think you might like to be when you grow up?’ He thought for a moment, but quite soon said, ‘I think I want to have a house church.’ Then he added, ‘And maybe something else too, because there are still lots of other days left in the week.’ Thank God with us that we have the blessing of seeing our children grow up with church planting in their hearts. Pray that these young ones will one day return to the field to continue reaping the harvest of souls.”

What are your prayers for your children and grandchildren?


KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
A MAN VISITED Tiffany’s jewelry store in New York City…
He was shown a magnificent diamond with its gleaming yellow light and many other splendid stones. But he observed one stone that was perfectly lusterless and said, “That has no beauty about it at all.”

The friend who was with him put the stone in the hollow of his hand and held it there for a few minutes. When he opened it, the man said, “What a surprise! There is not a place on it the size of a pinhead that does not gleam with the splendor of the rainbow. What did you do with it?”

His friend answered, “This is an opal. It is what we call the sympathetic jewel. It only needs contact with the human hand to bring out its wonderful beauty.”

How many lives there are that need only the warm touch of human sympathy to make them gleam with opalescent splendor.

Aquilla and Priscilla ran into Apollos, who needed to know the way of the Lord more perfectly. With love and kindness they touched him with the truth, and Apollos became a brilliant apologist for Christianity.

Saul of Tarsus was a much-feared persecutor of the church, but a friend named Barnabas (son of encouragement), stood at his side and defended him to the other Christians. As you know, Saul the persecutor became the apostle Paul, touched by a messenger Ananias and an encourager Barnabas.

A confused Eunuch rode along, not understanding what he was reading. What a blessing that the Spirit urged Philip to join the Eunuch’s chariot and to preach the gospel of Jesus to him. The confused man found answers and went on his way rejoicing.

The hopeless jailer, fearing the worst from the earthquake, thought to take his own life. But two beaten and imprisoned men, who knew the grace of God, cried out, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here!” They kept him from taking his life by giving him the Lord Jesus Christ. That very hour, the man who had no hope, found great joy in Jesus.

Do you know a downcast and discolored soul you may touch? The warmth of your love coupled with the truth of the gospel can turn a dull soul into one of the lights of the world, like a city set on a hill. (Phil Sanders at http://www.forthright.net/from_friend_to_friend/the_sympathetic_jewel.html)

“You are the light of the world.
A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” ~Matthew 5:14~

Let your light shine today.

Anna Lee

Tuesday Afternoon

Continue to pray for Lauree Titus. She is still unable to work. Pray she will get the relief she needs soon.


Wallace Aubrey Perry Jr.
COALING Wallace Aubrey “Coach” Perry, Jr., age 53, died Feb. 22, 2009, at home. Services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Memory Chapel Funeral Home with Jack Clary and Joey Miller officiating. Burial will follow in Coaling Cemetery with Memory Chapel Funeral Home, a Dignity Memorial Provider, directing. Visitation will be tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

He was preceded in death by his father, Wallace Aubrey Perry, Sr., and grandparents.

Survivors include his wife, Jan Averett Perry; daughters, Christina Marie Mink (John), Candace Michelle Perry; sister, Karen Miller (Joey); mother, Nyra (Nell) Perry Rigby; grandchildren, Nathaniel Perry Mink, and Vayda Marie Mink; and nieces and nephews.

He was a retired teacher and coach of Tuscaloosa County Board of Education, served on staff of Boys State and a deacon at Evergreen Baptist Church.

Pallbearers will be his nephews, Chris Smalley, Chad Smalley, Carson Smalley, Chaplin Smalley, Trey Averett, Josh Averett, Will Averett, Rick Averett, and Jess Averett.

Honorary pallbearers are Johnny and Dianne Averett, Gary and Sara Averett, Bobby and Tabitha Averett, Shane Eads, Andy Foster, Mary and Len Waldrop, Evergreen Baptist Church, deacons of Evergreen Coaling Baptist, deacons of Coaling Methodist, Kates Creek Hunting Club, Home Depot, coaches and staff of Brookwood Middle School, Brookwood High School, Hillcrest Middle School, Hillcrest High School, Boys State Staff, Friends of Coaling Community, Kirklin Clinic Acton Road, and Dr. May Linda Sullivan and staff.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice of West Alabama and Evergreen Baptist Church Building Fund.

Tuesday

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations,

baptizing them in the name of the Father

and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

~Matthew 28:19a~

JAHANKA OF SENEGAL, GUINEA AND THE GAMBIA (jah-HONK-kay). In the area where the Jahanka live, the hottest and driest time of year is quickly approaching. During this time of year, some will have their wells dry up. The women in those homes will then have to go somewhere else to get water–perhaps to a neighbor’s well or a small river nearby. They will then return home, carrying water buckets on their heads that weigh 30 or 40 pounds. Pray that just as they recognize their need for water and search for it, they will also realize that they are spiritually thirsty and search for the living water that Jesus gives. http://www.jahanka.org/

SENUFO SUPYIRE OF MALI (SIN-oo-fo su-PEER-ay). For the past several months, Senufo Supyire Team members have had a busy schedule of travel, visitors, and various meetings. They are now able to slow down a bit and are planning to spend more time immersing themselves in village life to focus on language learning. Each week they will spend several nights and days in a rural village and then return to their house in town to rest and accomplish other tasks that need to be done. Language learning in and of itself can be draining, but adding the difficult living conditions makes it even more stressful. Please pray for adequate rest and continued health during this time, as well as profitable language learning experiences and opportunities to share the gospel with the Senufo Supyire among whom they will be staying.

BASOTHO OF LESOTHO AND SOUTH AFRICA (BAH-soo-too). International Service Corps workers Tom and Cindi Melvin, serving in the lowlands of Lesotho, continue to pray that God will open doors to reach the Chinese who work in the garment factories in Maseru, Lesotho. Please join them in praying that Chinese will be interested in taking English as a Second Language (ESL) classes as a way of building relationships so that the message of Christ may eventually be shared. Pray that factory owners will allow the English classes to be held in the dormitories where many Chinese live. http://www.basotho.org/

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA (DER-bun). The KwaZulu-Natal province has suffered numerous major run-away fires, floods and severe storms since May of last year. Some of these storms have destroyed thousands of homes at a time, and many lives have been lost. Government disaster relief has been stretched to the limit. Missionaries Bill and Carol Bowers are in the process of encouraging the Baptist churches of Durban to organize a formal disaster relief program so that they can be a part of the resolution of the pain and agony that comes with these natural disasters, as well as being able to share with victims the hope that comes through placing their trust in Jesus Christ. Other major religious groups are organized and spreading their beliefs during a time of vulnerability. Pray that Baptist leaders and other concerned members will join together to share the love of Jesus in a meaningful way with those who are less fortunate and be able to make an eternal difference in their lives.

ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA. “Much of the ministry is accomplished through the relationships built with brothers and sisters who live here,” writes the St. Petersburg Team. “They face many hardships and have times of suffering. Please pray that they will have patient endurance and wisdom during these times. Pray especially for a brother who just lost his wife after being married only eight months.”

AUSTRIANS OF AUSTRIA. The Vienna Team members ask: “Please pray for the three Oikos (communities of faith) groups that are running or starting up in this new year. We have had the great joy of being involved in two groups and seeing the desire of another Austrian couple to start a separate group. Please pray that the participants will grow strong in the Lord and walk according to the Spirit, relying upon His teaching from the Word. Pray that they will be humble and have a servant’s heart towards all that God puts in their path. Pray that they will share what they have seen and heard and experienced of Jesus with lost friends and neighbors around them.” pray.vienna@gmail.com

NORTHERN YEMENI ARABS OF YEMEN (YEH-muh-nee). Troubles continue to plague the people here. Several weeks ago, some foreigners were kidnapped but, thankfully, were released in a few days. This has made traveling more difficult for any foreigners who live among this people group. Pray for safety in travel. Also continue to pray for those who lost homes due to the flooding in November. People are afraid to rebuild in the locations where their houses were, but they have no other places to go where there is infrastructure for living. http://www.pray4yemen.com/

Mrs. Catherine Yarborough said she is without any pain for the first time in a long time. The last procedure is temporary, but pray it will be effective for a long time. Thank God she finally found something that was helpful.


Mrs. Ruby Dillon’s procedure will be at 11 A.M. Friday. Please be in prayer for her and her family.

Don Denton

More amazing news………..

We spoke to Neurologist office this morning and the “dissection in the carotid artery has full resolution” meaning the hole has healed up. Thank you God!

This means Don will be able to taper off of two more medications. Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And we received a call from the Vet. this morning and the results are back from the surgery our dog had and it is NOT cancer. She just had a very, very large growth. Yes!!!!!!

This is a good day in the Denton household! Our spirits are lifted up this day……we so needed good news and God is merciful to us. We give thanks to God for His goodness to us today and everyday.

It is the best birthday present news I could get. Yes!!!!!!!!!!!

Keep praying for healing of the nerve endings in the brain regarding the dizziness. I believe.

Bless you our family and friends,

Diane

We had a good weekend. Don has a CAT Scan tomorrow. He will have blood work as well. We then have appointments next week for the neurosurgeon and the neurologist.

We are hoping that the CAT Scan results will reflect healing of the hydrocephalus.

We are asking for prayer for the following:

  • This dizziness will come to an end. Or we get to the right doctors that can help.
  • Test results from tomorrow reflect healing.
  • Insurance company is not willing to pay for more than 20 physical therapy visits. We have tried getting approval and at this point they are refusing.
  • Don can’t walk at this point and therapist says he will need therapy for sometime to come.

I am hoping to get to the right people tomorrow with the insurance company. At this point they are not willing to accept responsibility to pay Mayo as In Network. Therefore we now have a bill over $200,000.00. It is pretty unsettleing.

WE at the same time continue to give thanks to God for what he has done for us. God is merciful and gracious. WE have so much to give thanks for.

Bless you our family and friends

Diane

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
AS JAMES STEWART, in his book, The Life and Teaching of Jesus Christ, wrote: “Everyone who studies this narrative has the strange feeling that the tables are being turned, before their very eyes. And that what they are seeing, is not Jesus on trial before the crowd, but Pilate, on trial before Jesus…
In fact, as Pilate stands with the Son of God in those hours it is as if Jesus’ searchlight is probing his soul, revealing his true character for all the world to see. But every soul stands where Pilate stood at sometime in their life… Face to face with Jesus in the place of decision.”
“Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying, ‘Are You the King of the Jews?’ Jesus said to him, ‘It is as you say.’ And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing. Then Pilate said to Him, ‘Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?’ But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly.” Matthew 27:11-13

May each of you be a blessing to someone today.

Anna Lee

Monday

“And if I donate all my goods to feed the poor . . .

but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient; love is kind”

(1 Corinthians 13:3-4a, HCSB).



Mrs. Ora Lee Wilson will have a pacemaker procedure on March 5th. Pray for her as she gets off some medication in preparation for this.


Mrs. Faye Price had a good week but a bad night Friday. Please continue to pray for her as she makes the slow progress the doctors expect. Pray for Virginia and Sue as they continue to take turns caring for their mother.


Pray for Mrs. Ruby Dillon as she sees the surgeon today to schedule a biopsy.


A memorial service for Riley Penney was held yesterday afternoon at 3 P.M. Please continue to pray for the Erwin/Penney family.

Robinson, Billie Jean Pearson First Baptist Church, Kentwood, at 11 a.m.



Richard Edward “Ricky” Miller

(April 10, 1964 – February 22, 2009)


Richard Edward

Richard Edward “Ricky” Miller was born April 10, 1964, and he passed away February 22, 2009 at 9:08AM in Amite, LA. He was 44 years young and a native and resident of Amite, LA. Ricky was a member of Cornerstone Church of Amite. He was part owner with his brother, Kenny, of Phares Glass and Radiator for 14 years.

Ricky is survived by his mother and step-father, Elizabeth Ridgedell Miller Conerly and Clifton David Conerly of Amite; his father, Lloyd Edward Miller, also of Amite. He is also survived by two sisters and one brother: Debbie Miller Wilkinson and husband, Leroy, of Amite, Brandi Conerly Faunce and husband, Curtis, of Loranger, and Kenny Lloyd Miller and wife, Samantha, of Amite. Ricky is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, one great niece, and other extended family. He would not want us to leave out his two faithful pugs: Koda and Miles.

Ricky was preceded in death by his paternal gradparents, Floyd and Kathryn Miller, his maternal gradparents, Ozema and Helen Ridgedell, and his sister, Linda Kaye Miller Misita.

Visitaion will be Monday, February 23, 2009 at Cornerstone Church, 108 Campo Lane, Amite, LA 70422, from 6:00PM until 9:00PM. Religious services will be held Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 11:00AM also at Cornerstone Church with Brother Mervin Strother officiating and interment in Amite Memorial Gardens.

An online Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com.

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is in charge of the arrangements.

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor

The Prodigal Son, in the Key of ‘F’

Feeling footloose and frisky, a feather-brained fellow forced his fond father to fork over the family finances. He flew far to foreign fields and frittered his fortune feasting fabulously with faithless friends.

Finally, facing famine and fleeced by he fellows in folly, he found himself a feed-flinger in a filthy farmyard. Fairly famished he fain would have filled his frame with the foraged foods of the fodder fragments left by the filthy farmyard creatures.

“Fooey”, he said, My father’s flunkies fare far fancier.” The fugitive found feverishly, frankly facing facts. Frustrated by failure and filled with foreboding he forthwith fled to his family.

Falling at father’s feet, he floundered forlornly. “Father, I have flunked and fruitlessly forfeited family favor,” But the faithful father, forestalling further flinching frantically flagged the flunkies. “Fetch forth the finest fatling and fix a feast.”

But the fugitive’s fault-finding frater frowned on the fickle forgiveness of the former folderol. His fury flashed. But fussing was futile, for the far-sighted father figured such filial fidelity is fine, but forbids fervent festivity?

The fugitive found. “Unfurl the flags, with fanfares flaring Let fun and frolic freely flow ” Former failure is forgiven, folly is forsaken And forgiveness forms the foundation for futile fortitude.” (Author Unknown)

“And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.” Luke 15:20

Thank-you for praying today. Your prayers mean so much to so many.

Anna Lee